5 Recipes for the Sweetest National Cocoa Day

Posted on December 13, 2018

Happy National Cocoa Day! There seems to be a day for nearly everything, but this one’s undeniably worth marking on the calendar. We’re celebrating by sharing five of our favorite cocoa recipes that bring the cheer to even the darkest of winter days.

Candy Cane Cocoa
Our recipe list wouldn’t be complete without the ever-popular peppermint cocoa and nothing makes the season like a cup of hot cocoa with a candy cane to top it off.

In a saucepan, heat the milk until hot, but not boiling and whisk in the cocoa until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the sweetener and peppermint extract. Pour hot cocoa into mugs, and garnish as desired, topping with a candy cane in each cup. For an additional festive touch, use a stencil (or simply cut out a quick handmade one!) and dust additional cocoa powder over the cups to create cute holiday motifs, such as stars, trees, and reindeer.

Combine milk, cocoa powder, chai spice, and 1 cinnamon stick in a saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring continually. Add in the vanilla and whisk for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in sweetener of choice. Strain through mesh strainer into cups and top with additional dusted cinnamon and a fresh cinnamon stick.

Frozen Cookies and Cream Cocoa
Spending your winter days under the sun, rather than under the snow, but still craving a decadent chocolatey drink? Treat yourself to a frozen cocoa with cookies and cream!

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into cups (our insulated snowflake Callisto Chiller works well and allows you to take your shake on the go), top with whipped cream, and dust with additional cocoa.

Homemade Cocoa Mix to Gift
Who doesn’t love an edible gift? And even more so when it’s made from scratch! Give the gift of a thoughtful, homemade hot cocoa mix that everyone can enjoy. Complete the custom gift by packaging the mix in one of our festive holiday mason jars that comes with a matching candy cane striped straw and can be used every season.

Using a funnel or spouted measuring cup, add the ingredients to each jar in the following layers: 2 tbs sugar, ¼ tsp salt, 2 tbs cocoa, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, 1 tbs shaved semisweet chocolate, and 10-15 mini marshmallows. Close the jars and finish off with a ribbon and tag. Be sure to include cooking instructions: heat 2 cups of milk to a simmer and steadily whisk in 1 jar of cocoa mix. Stir until thoroughly combined and serve in jars or mug of choice. Mix keeps for 3-4 weeks.